As the United States begins to open back up, many people are taking the opportunity to travel closer to home. One thing to keep in mind while traveling in the U.S. is staying away from crowds as much as possible.
Different states each have their own policies and restrictions regarding tourism, so you should research restrictions thoroughly before you travel. You can read about state by state travel restrictions, stay at home orders, and quarantine requirements in this article.
The U.S. destinations we've chosen as the best to visit right now are based on limited travel restrictions in the state, as well as Covid-19 case count - which can be seen in the map below:
Without further ado, these are the top places to travel in the U.S. right now:
1. Cheaha State Park, Alabama
Cheaha State Park in Delta, Alabama is a 2,799 acre park that connects to the Talladega National Forest. Opened in 1933, the park is the oldest state park still operating in Alabama.
Inside the park you will find magnificient views, especially on top of the state's highest point, Cheaha Mountain. There are campgrounds, hotels, and cabins for travelers to stay in. Also inside the park is Vista Cliffside Bistro, the Mountain Store, a stone bathhouse, Cheaha Lake, picnic areas, and hiking trails.
Top activities in the park include picnics, swimming, fishing, hiking, and camping. Hikers can enjoy scenic views on top of Cheaha Mountain, where an observation deck is located. Campers can stay at one of 73 modern campsites, or multiple semi-primitive campsites. Visitors can also choose to stay at a small hotel inside the park, or a woodcabin.
Covid-19 Restrictions
Due to Covid-19, many attractions within Cheaha State Park are closed or have limited hours and capacity. Social distancing is required in the park at all times, and face masks are required when social distancing cannot be maintained.
The following attractions and amenities are currently closed in Cheaha State Park:
- Group campsites
- Most group facilities
- All playgrounds
- Lower Improved Campground (except for guests who don't mind detour and lake closure)
- CCC Primtive Campground Cheaha Lake
- Lake Cheaha Recreation Area
- The Fishing Trail around the lake
The following attractions and amentities are currently open in Cheaha State Park:
- Vista Cliffside Bistro (12pm - 8pm, Thurs-Mon)
- Vista Cliffside Swimming Pool is open to overnight guests
- CCC Bunker Tower
- Dog park
- Most trails
- Park overlooks
- Gem Mine
- Park cabins, chalets, hotel (limited vacancy)
- Upper Improved Campground and Upper Primitive Campground
- The Mountain Store
- All public restrooms
2. Little Rock, Arkansas
Little Rock is the capital of Arkansas, and is a major cultural, arts, economic, and historical center in the South. The city got its name from a rock formation, called the Little Rock, along the bank of the Arkansas River. The French explorer Jean-Baptiste Bénard de la Harpe, named the city in the 1700s.
Little Rock is full of cultural and arts attractions. Some top attractions include the Arkansas Arts Center, the state's largest art museum. Wildwood Park for the Arts, the largest park for the performing arts in the South. And Quapaw Quarter, which consists of three historic districts with over 100 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.
Other top attractions include outdoor activities like hiking, river rafting, camping, and fishing. These activities are best done at places like the Arkansas River, the Arkansas River Trail, and Pinnacle Mountain State Park. Visitors also have the opportunity to see the Big Dam Bridge, which is the longest pedestrian bridge in North America that has never been used by cars or trucks.
Covid-19 Restrictions
In Arkansas, hotels, vacation rentals, pools, waterparks, beaches, and restaurants have been allowed to reopen. But, due to Covid-19 some businesses may still be closed, or have limited hours and capacity.
The Mayor of Little Rock strongly urges residents and visitors to maintain social distancing guidelines set by the CDC, and to wear a mask when within 6 feet of others.
3. Lassen Volcanic National Park, California
Located in Northeastern California, Lassen Volcanic National Park features the world's largest plug dome volcano, called Lassen Peak. The park is one of the few places in the world where you can find all four types of volacnoes: plug dome, shield, cinder cone, and stratovolcano. The area surrounding Lassen Peak is still very active, with boiling mud pots, fumaroles, and hot springs.
Within the park you can find large mountains created by lava, craters, hot springs, and sulfur vents. Dotted between these geothermal features you can find canyons cut by ancient glaciers, lakes, and clear water streams. The park is also filled with plants and animal life such as pine, fir, iris, and gooseberr, as well as black bears, foxes, cougars, and mule deer.
Visitors to Lassen Volcanic National Park can hike, backpack, swim, boat, and camp in the park. But, be sure to make a reservation at a campsite, as the demand is very high right now. Rangers warn that trails and campsites are especially busy this summer, and popular areas fill up by mid-morning.
Covid-19 Restrictions
Due to Covis-19, some attractions and amenities in Lassen Volcanic State Park are currently closed, or have limited hours and capacity. Social distancing is required in the park at all times, and face masks must be worn when social distancing cannot be maintained.
The following attractions and amenities are currently closed in the park:
- Manzanita Lake - prohibits swimming, wading, and the use of soft-sided flotation devices
- Ranger led programs
The following attractions and amenities are currently open in the park:
- Most campsites are open with a reservation
- Trailhead parking areas: Bumpass Hell, Kings Creek Falls, Hat Creek
- Manzanita Lake Camper Store
4. Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Pagosa Springs lies in the heart of the San Juan Mountain Range in Colorado. The town itself is 7,126 feet above sea level, and located in the Colorado Sunbelt, meaning the town experiences fairly mild temperatures, with summers in the 80s and winters in the 40s.
Surrounding Pagosa Springs is 2.5 million acres of the San Juan National Forest, making the area perfect for outdoor adventure. Visitors in the winter can ski and snowboard at top resorts, snowshoe, ice skate, ice fish, go snowmobiling, sledding, tubing, and relax in a Pagosa Hot Spring. In the summer, visitors can hike, fish, boat, river raft, inner tube, horse back ride, and relax in a Pagosa Hot Spring.
The Pagosa Hot Springs in Colorado are all natural geothermal pools whose waters are believed by many to have healing powers. The Mother Spring feeds all of the geothermal pools and hot springs in Pagosa Springs, and at over 1,002 feet deep, holds the Guinness World Record of the deepest geothermal hot spring aquifer in the world.
Pagosa Springs is home to many cultures and full of history. Just outside of the town is Chimney Rock National Monument, one of the most sacred sites of the Ancestral Puebloans of the Chaco Canyon. Also outside of Pagosa Springs is Mesa Verde Nationa Park, which is home to some fanous ancient cliff dwellings.
Covid-19 Restrictions
In Colorado, all retail stores, restaurants, and outdoor pools have been allowed to reopen at 50% capacity. As per CDC guidelines, masks are asked to be worn when out in public, as well as social distancing at 6 feet apart.
Pagosa Springs is currently transitioning to "Safer at Home and in the Vast, Great Outdoors." This means national and state parks are open, with some guidelines, which include wearing masks and social distancing.
5. Heyburn State Park, Idaho
Heyburn State Park in Idaho is the state's first park, and the oldest state park in the Northwest! It was created in 1908, and is 8,000 acres. Located on the southern tip of Coeur d'Alene Lake, the park is along the Trail of Coeur d'Alenes, a 72 mile paved bike trail.
The park features 73 campsites, along with many cabins and cottages, and a launch, dock, and marina for boats. In Heyburn State Park visitors have the opportunity to participate in hiking, biking, picnicking, swimming, boating, kayaking, fishing, and camping.
Top trails for hiking include the Whitetail Loop (6.2 miles), Indian Cliff Trail (2.3 miles), Plummer Creek Fire Trail (1.5 miles), and Lakeshore Loop Trail (0.9 miles). Each of these trails features amazing lake views, flora and fauna, and wildlife.
Interested in a river cruise that goes through Idaho? View all Mississippi River cruise tours >>
Covid-19 Restrictions
The state of Idaho has allowed all businesses to reopen as long as they are following guidelines set by the CDC. Idaho requies face masks to be work when out in public, and if social distancing by at least 6 feet cannot be maintained.
Hotels, vacation rentals, campgrounds, and other sccommodations can reopen if they are practicing enhanced cleaning protocols and social distancing.
6. Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, Kansas
Tallgrass prairie once covered 170 million acres across North America, but in a few short years 96% of it was converted to farmland. Most of the remaining 4% of tallgrass prairie is located in the Kansas Flint Hills. The Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in Kansas was established in 1996, and preserves a significant portion of the last remnants of the tallgrass prairie.
The preserve is over 10,000 acres of tallgrass prairie and is home to a growing bison herd. Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is the place to go for wide open space and solitude, incredible vistas, wildflowers, bison, and a historic ranch. Take a day to hike the old gravel roads and possibly spot some bison!
Covid-19 Restrictions
The Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is in a phased reopening process. Social distancing by at least 6 feet is required, and face masks are required when in public places and when social distancing cannot be maintained.
The following attractions are currently open in the preserve:
- Visitor Center (10 person capacity)
- All buildings
- Rrestrooms
- All trails
- Rangers are available for assistance
7. Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, Kentucky
Originally named Land Between the Rivers because of its location between the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers, it was renamed Land Between the Lakes in 1960 when two manmade lakes were constructed in the area. Land Between the Lakes is now the largest inland peninsula in the United States.
Land Between the Lakes is essentially a 170,000 acre wilderness playground in Kentucky and Tennessee. It consists of rivers, lakes, camp sites, and hiking trails, Visitors can make reservations for overnight camping trips where they can really experience the great outdoors. In the park, popular activities include rafting, kayaking, hunting, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, barbecuing, and wildlife viewing.
Interested in a Mississippi River cruise through Kentucky? Find all Mississippi River tours >>
Covid-19 Restrictions
Due to Covid-19 some amenities at Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area may be closed or have limited access. Face masks are required indoors and outdoors when social distancing cannot be maintained.
Many 2020 events in the park have been cancelled, including Pickin' Party, Cool Critters Day, Wrangers Rodeo, Hummingbird Festival, and Trades Fair.
8. Easton, Maryland
The small town of Easton, Maryland is rated the 8th Best Small Town in America! The streets of Easton are lined with colorful local flora and fauna, and beautiful old buildings, including Victorian bed and breafasts, and historic inns.
The town is great for outdoor activities in the warmer months. There are multiple locations for visitors to golf, skeet shoot, kayak, sail, bike, and hike. In the summer in Easton, visitors can see theater performances, live music, and attend festivals. Top places in Easton include the Easton Cinema, bowling alley, and local pubs and restaurants. The old town is full of antique shops, art galleries, and museums.
Located in the small town are many historical sites, like cathedrals, court houses, cemeteries, and bed and breakfasts. While visiting Easton, you should check out the Historical Society of Talbot County, the ACademy Art Museum, the Third Haven Meeting House & Cemetery, and Bishop's House Bed and Breakfast.
Covid-19 Restrictions
Due to Covid-19, come businesses in Easton may still be closed or have limited hours and capacities. The county of Maryland in which Easton is located has strict reopening guidelines for hotels, vacation rentals, and bed and breakfasts to ensure the safety of guests and locals. These guidelines include enhanced cleaning protocols, face mask requirements, and social distancing.
The following attractions and activities are currently open in Easton at 50% capacity:
- Hotels, bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals
- Outdoor pools
- Beaches
- Boat rentals
- Fishing
- State parks
- Golf courses
- Horseback riding
- Some campsites (reservations required)
- Restaurants
- Retail stores
9. Bozeman, Montana
Located high in the Montana Rocky Mountains, Bozeman is a fast growing city full of beautiful scenery, tons of outdoor recreation opportunities, art, and culture. The area was long occupied by indigenous people, primarily the Crow people, until it was founded as a Montana city by John M. Bozeman in 1864.
The area tends to have very cold, snowy winters, and relatively warm summers. Bozeman is a great town for winter outdoor activities like skiing and snowboarding at the Bridger Bowl Ski Area. It's also a great place for outdoor activities during the warmer months. Visitors can go to a rodeo, horseback ride, hike, bike, swim, river raft, and fish.
Top attractions an dplaces to go in Bozeman include the Montana Arboretum and Gardens, Museum of the Rockies, the Gibson Guitar Factory, Hyalite Canyon and Resevoir, and the East Gallatin Recreation Area. While in Bozeman, be sure to dine at Montana Ale Works, and try the bison potstickers!
Covid-19 Restrictions
Due to Covid-19 some businesses may be closed or have limited hours and capacities. Montana has allowed restaurants, bars, retail stores, pools, and accommodations to open at lower capacities, if they are following guidelines set by the CDC.
In Bozeman, public land, fishing sites, and parks are open. Visitors must follow social distancing guidelines, and campsites are limited.
10. Lincoln, Nebraska
Lincoln, Nebraska - you guessed it, named after President Abraham Lincoln - is the state's capital, and second most populous city. Lincoln is full of life, art, and culture, and has long been a sanctuary city for refugees. In 2013 Lincoln earned the title of one of the Top 10 Most Welcoming Cities in America.
The city has a growing music scene, and is often referred to as a music city. There are tons of live music venues and places to dance. Top local music venues include Bourbon Theatre, Duffy's Tavern, and the Zoo Bar. Lincoln also has an increasing number of art galleries and museums where visitors can see local art collections.
Top attractions in Lincoln include the Sunken Gardens, Mueller Planetarium, and tours of the Nebraska State Capitol. The city has an extensive parks system, and is great for outdoor activities. There are over 248 miles of hiking trails, and bike and horseback trails. The MoPac Trail is a favorite for locals. It is a 27 mile walking, biking, and horseback riding trail built on an abandoned railroad.
Covid-19 Restrictions
Due to Covid-19 some businesses may still be closed or have limited hours and capacities. The state of Nebraska has allowed restaurants, bars, retail stores, and rodeos to open at 100% capacity, as long as social distancing is maintained. Face masks are required throughout the state when in public areas.
The following is currently not allowed in Lincoln:
- Indoor gatherings of 50+ people
- Indoor capacity of over 50%
- Outdoor gatherings of over 10,000 people
- Outdoor capacity of over 75%
- Groups cannot be greater than 8 people
- Restaurants and bars are open at 100% capacity with tables 6 feet apart
- Art facilities are open with a capacity of 25 people
- Health spas are open with a capacity of 50 people
- Public transportation and airports are open
11. Outer Banks, North Carolina
The Outer Banks is a collection of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina that span 200 miles. Known for an expansive oceanfront, shipwrecks, lighthouses, and the Wright Brothers, the Outer Banks, also called OBX, is a popular vacation destination.
OBX features charming beach towns full of history. While in OBX you can choose to stay in one of the many hotels, vacation rentals, bed and breakfasts, or campgrounds available. It's the perfect destination for relaxation and adventure. Visitors love to kayak, fish, swim, surf, hike, view wildlife, practice yoga, and hang glide.
Top attractions in the Outer Banks include climbing the tallest lighthouse in the United States at Cape Hatteras, playing a round of golf, visiting the Elizabethan Gardens, trekking huge sand dunes, and learning about the Wright Brothers first flight.
Covid-19 Restrictions
Due ot Covid-19 some businesses and attractions may be closed or have limited hours and capacities. In the Outer Banks face masks and social distancing are required when out in public.
The Outer Banks are happily accepting visitors as long as they follow CDC guidelines. Officials ask that visitors remember to wash their hands frequently, wear a mask, and wait further back in line to help stop the spread of Covid-19.
The following guidelines are currently in place in OBX:
- Social distancing
- Face masks
- Indoor gatherings cannot exceed 10 people
- Restaurants are open at 50% capacity
12. Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Located in Southwest South Dakota, Badlands National Park protects over 240,000 acres of buttes, pinnacles, and mixed grass prairie. Indigenous people have been living and hunting in the Badlands of South Dakota for over 11,000 years. The Lakota people were the first to call the area "land bad," due to the rugged terrain, extreme temperatures, and lack of water.
Lots of wildlife make their home in Badlands National Park, and visitors may see badgers, bighorn sheep, black-footed ferrets, prairie dogs, bobcats, coyotes, and bison. The park has two campgrounds for visitors to stay and camp overnight.
Top activities at Badlands National Park include hiking, biking, camping, horseback riding, and checking out fossils. It's popular to drive through the park, and the best roads are Loop Road, and Sage Creek Rim Road. While in the Badlands you can't miss the epic sunsets, so make some time to drive or hike to the perfect viewpoint to witness the magic.
Covid-19 Restrictions
South Dakota currently has no travel restrictions affecting visitors. Tourism businesses and attractions, national parks, state parks, hotels, campgrounds, restaurants, and retail stores are open for business. Social distancing guidelines are in place at all businesses.
Badlands National Park is opening in phases. Currently only the north unit of the park is open, including campgrounds, trails, and roads. The Ben Reifel Visitors Center remains closed, and the south unit of the park remains closed.
13. Provo River, Utah
Flowing through the Uinta Mountains, a subrange of the Rockies, is Provo River. Utah is known for having an abundance of outdoor adventure opportunities, and Provo River is no exception. The weather in the area during the summer can reach over 90, and in winter you can expect lots of snow, with temperatures in the 20s.
The best time to visit the river is in the warmer months when all the outdoor opportunities are available. The river is split into three sections, upper, middle, and lower, and each section has similar activities available. Top activities include rafting, kayaking, inner tubing, fly fishing, boating, hiking, ziplining, and horseback riding. In the city of Provo visitors are able to rent ATVs, golf, and visit museums.
Wildlife is everywhere around Provo River. You can see multiple trout species, river otters, and participate in birding.
Covid-19 Restrictions
Due to Covid-19 some businesses and attractions at Provo River, and the surrounding cities may be closed or have limited hours and capacities.
Utah is opening in phases, and in its current phase there are no restrictions for visitors. Visitors and locals are required to maintain social distancing, wear face masks when indoors and outdoors when social distancing cannot be maintained.
All national and state parks in Utah are open, however some attractions and services may still be closed.
14. Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
With a population of less than 300, this quaint West Virginia town is the perfect place to escape the crowds. Harpers Ferry is located where the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers join together. Because of its location, during colonial times Hrpers Ferry made for an important site of commerce, and it was the location of the first regular ferry across the Potomac River. The ferry closed in 1824 when a railroad bridge was built.
Harpers Ferry may be small, but it's full of history. In Lower Town, visitors can see buildings from colonial times, museums, and the exact point where the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers meet. Civil War buffs should make time to visit Bolivar Heights, Camp Hill, and Schoolhouse Ridge North to see historic sites and learn more about the areas involvement in the Civil War.
The small town is surrounded by parks great for hiking, rafting, and birding. Harpers Ferry is located in the middle of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, and visitors can walk part of the path. Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is one of 600 locations within the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom, and the park is part of the Lewis and Clark National Historical Trail.
Covid-19 Restrictions
Due to Covid-19 some businesses and attractions in Harpers Ferry are currently closed or have limited hours and capacities. West Virginia is on a phased reopening schedule, and in the current phase restaurants, retail stores, outdoor pools, bowling alleys, and movie theaters are allowed to reopen. Campgrounds are not open to out of state visitors.
Harpers Ferry requires visitors and locals to wear face masks when in public, and maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet. Additionally, they are asking visitors to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is also on a phased reopeing schedule, and some portions of the park are closed, including the visitors center, restrooms, and shuttle bus operations.
15. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park is a 3,500 square mile wilderness area situated atop a volcanic hotspot. The park is mainly in Wyoming but stretches into Montana and Idaho as well. The park is know for its wide canyons, rushing rivers and waterfalls, lush forests, hot springs, gerysers, and wildlife.
Yellowstone is the perfect place for outdoor adventure lovers. The best things to do in the park include watching the geysers erupt, specifically the most famous in Yellowstone, Old Faithful. Visitors have the opportunity to see all the wildlife in their natural habitat, like grizzly bears, gray wolves, bison, moose, and eagles. Just be sure to keep a safe distance!
Hike the trails of Yellowstone National Park to have a truly off the beaten path experience. River raft and fish in the rivers, camp overnight, and visit the many archaeological sites in the park. Yellowstone is in the middle of cowboy country, and there are many rodeos visitors can attend. Or get the cowboy experience by taking a day to horseback ride through the beautiful park.
Interested in a river cruise that goes through Yellowstone National Park? Find all Snake River tours >>
Want to visit a national park just not Yellowstone? Find Grand Canyon tours >>
Covid-19 Restrictions
Yellowstone National Park requires all visitors to wear face masks when indoors and outdoors when social distancing cannot be maintained. Visitors are not allowed to enter the park if they have been sick or have been around someone who has been sick in the past 14 days.
All entrances at Yellowstone are open and campgrounds are open. RV Parks, hotels, and restaurants inside the park remain closed.
Places to Avoid Traveling Right Now
Some destinations in the U.S. are better than others in terms of Covid-19 cases, and response to restrictions.
We do not recommend traveling to these places right now:
- Florida
- Texas
- New York
- New Jersey
- Illinois
- Massachusetts
- Arizona
The CDC still recommends staying home, as that is the best way to protect yourself and others from contracting and spreading Covid-19. You should only travel again when you feel safe to do so.
For more information on traveling in the U.S. check out the Top 10 Tour Operators With Unique U.S. Trips >>
For a list of state by state restrictions check out Where is it Safe to Travel This Summer >>
